Plains Rangers Edgecumbe opened their season in soccer’s BOP 1st division with a
creditable performance on Saturday. Rangers travelled to play Te Puke away. The
host team came third last season and were fielding a similar team this time round.
The game was evenly fought, keenly contested, although rather scrappy in patches.
After half an hour Rangers got their noses in front. A Dan Logan cross caused
difficulties for the Te Puke defence and Aaron Muggeridge got the last touch as it
went into the net. Rangers were caught off guard almost immediately, a Te Puke
midfielder running through and creating a tangle in the Rangers defence. The ball
emerged rolling goalwards and over the line. The half time score was Te Puke 1,
Rangers 1.
The second half continued in the same vein, and resulted in an unchanged scoreline at
full time.
For Rangers, the player of the day plaudits were shared by the defenders, who
combined well as a unit.
This Saturday, Rangers have their first home game when they host Kawerau. Local
derbies are always keenly anticipated and this will be no exception. Kick-off at the
Edgecumbe Domain is at 2.30pm.